What is PRP?

· Health

What is PRP? PRP is the short form of platelet-rich plasma. When injected into someone's body, the substance promotes healing. Plasma is part of the blood that comprises special proteins. These proteins help the blood in the clotting process. PRP has been produced by researchers by separating plasma from the blood. When PRP is injected into broken tissues, your body is stimulated to develop new cells that are healthy hence promotes healing. Researchers believe that the tissues may rapidly heal. However, the cure has not been confirmed definitely.

PRP injections have a number of purposes. These injections have been tried out across various applications. They have been injected into the scalp to enhance the growth of hair and avoid hair loss. PRP injections are proven to be effective in the treatment of a condition known as male pattern baldness. PRP injections also treat tendon injuries. Tendons basically are strong, dense groups of tissue that attach the muscles to the bones. They usually heal slowly after injury. PRP injections have been used to treat long-lasting muscle complications like tennis elbow. Acute injuries like sprains in the knee have equally been cured by the use of PRP injections. Sometimes during postsurgical repairs, these injections have been used by doctors in repairing torn muscles or ligaments. Medics have had PRP injected into the knees of individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. It was discovered during a scientific study that PRP injections work better compared to hyaluronic acid injections in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Before one gets these PRP injections, a few steps have to be followed. However, there are different ways in which PRP injections can be injected. For example, sometimes before injection, a numbing lidocaine solution is smeared on the scalp. For this solution to be applied, you may have to come early to the hospital. At times PRT is mixed with an anesthetic to reduce any distress. Doctors occasionally apply PRP in the course of surgery. Getting ready for PRP injections also include following the recommendations from your surgeon before the surgery. Understand more what is PRP before using it.

There are various things to be expected during the process of PRP injections. Part of your blood will be drawn out by the healthcare professional. The amount of the blood rests on where the PRP will be inoculated. The blood is the put in a centrifuge. A centrifuge is a machine that rotates at a very quick pace resulting in the components of the blood separating. The process of separation takes around fifteen minutes. The separated plasma is then taken by the doctor and is prepared for injection into the area that is affected. Imaging like ultrasound is often used to identify the specific areas to be injected for example the tendon. The doctor will finally inject the PRP into the area that is affected.